Vail Daily obituary: Cindy Petrehn

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Cindy Petrehn, 58, of Edwards, unexpectedly passed away Sunday. She was an amazing woman, mother, friend, daughter, sister and artist. Her passing has brought an overwhelming amount of support and love from friends and family around the world.-

Cindy, a truly creative and beautiful individual and spirit, created a light in the heart of every person who knew her. She was born in Clinton, Iowa, to John and Jacelyn Petrehn and grew up surrounded by her nine brothers and sister in Kansas City. Cindy completed her fine arts degree at Pittsburg State University and it was there she won her first photo competition.- From that moment forward, she knew photography was her calling. To her, photography was "capturing the light in a moment of time and space. We may never pass this way again ... or so the song goes. It is a passion and an obsession."-

Cindy moved to the Vail Valley in 1978 and turned her love of photography into a business. She spent many years capturing intriguing images of people, events, nature and anything that caught her creative eye.-

Cindy was an enthusiastic mother to her son, Michael, and daughter, Toni, both raised in the Vail Valley, and was like a second mother to all of their friends. She taught them love, kindness, compassion for others and encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Cindy was a licensed hot air balloon pilot, the official photographer for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and a member of Women in Aviation and The Balloon Federation of America. Cindy was a beloved member and integral part of the Hot Air Ballooning community. Her adventurous spirit brought her all over the world to places like Japan, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, France, Ireland and more. She was always in search of her next great adventure and her next amazing photo. -

Through her photography, Cindy shared the beauty of the world, ballooning and the open skies with all. She was the most kind, giving, fun, and imaginative woman. Her smile and radiant personality will be missed by all and memories of her will be held closely. We know that she lives on in the hearts of every life she touched. She has finally found the great adventure she has been searching for and is in the most beautiful hot air balloon, taking the most amazing photographs.-

Please join her family and friends in the celebration of her life at the Eagle Vail Pavilion on Saturday from 4-10 p.m. Purple or animal patterns recommended. If you are local, bring a candle or a potluck dish.-

In lieu of flowers, The Cindy Petrehn Memorial Fund has been established for those wishing to contribute: The Cindy Petrehn Memorial Fund, Firstbank of Colorado, 105 Edwards Village Blvd., P.O. Box 1449, Edwards, CO 81632